Why does my baby hiccup so often?

If your baby hiccups regularly (especially after feeding), the first thing you probably feel is a mix of concern and sympathy. That little body jerking, those big eyes looking momentarily amazed. You wonder: is this normal? Am I doing something wrong? Should I have burped them better?

After nearly 30 years at the bedside of newborns, I can reassure you: hiccups are one of the most normal things that can happen to your baby. And there is more to it than you might think.

What happens inside your baby's body

Hiccups occur due to a sudden contraction of the diaphragm, the muscle just below the lungs that plays a major role in breathing. As soon as that muscle contracts unexpectedly, the vocal cords close very quickly. That is the sound you hear.

In adults, hiccups are a minor annoyance. In babies, it is something very different.

Researchers at University College London discovered that every hiccup in a newborn baby causes a wave of brain activity. That activity helps your baby learn how to control their breathing muscles. In other words, hiccups are not a malfunction; they are practice. Your baby's nervous system is at work.

This also explains why premature babies hiccup more often. Their nervous system is still developing and needs that extra practice.

Why it happens so often after feeding

A newborn baby's stomach is small (about the size of a marble in the first days). If your baby drinks quickly or takes in a bit too much, the stomach expands. Because the stomach is right under the diaphragm, it presses against the muscle. And then the hiccups start.

In addition, babies swallow air while feeding, usually a bit more often with bottle feeding than breastfeeding. That air in the stomach puts extra pressure on the diaphragm.

What I often see in practice: babies who drink quickly or have a fast milk flow hiccup more. Not because something is wrong, but because their body is reacting to what just happened.

Frequently asked questions

Are hiccups dangerous?

No. Hiccups are almost always completely normal and harmless. What I always tell parents: you find it more bothersome than your baby. Babies hiccup, fall asleep, hiccup again — and hardly notice it themselves.

When to consult a doctor: if hiccups come with a lot of crying during or after feeding, frequent spitting up, arching the back, or if your baby isn’t gaining weight well. This can sometimes indicate reflux, and it’s good to have it checked.

Should I have burped better?

This is a question I hear from parents very often, almost always with a sense of guilt. That’s unnecessary.

Burping helps release air from the stomach, and that’s useful. But it’s no guarantee against hiccups. Research shows that extra burping doesn’t always prevent hiccups and can sometimes lead to a bit more spitting up. If your baby doesn’t burp after a few minutes of trying, that’s perfectly fine. Not every child burps easily, and that doesn’t reflect on how you’re doing.

What can I do if my baby has hiccups?

Honestly: most of the time you don’t need to do anything. Hiccups go away on their own, often within five to ten minutes. If you want to try something:

• Offer a pacifier. The sucking motion helps relax the diaphragm.
• Keep your baby a bit more upright during and after feeding. This reduces pressure on the diaphragm.
• Take small breaks during feeding so the stomach doesn’t fill too quickly.
• Gently rub the back, not to burp, but simply to relax.

What not to do: startle your baby, hold their breath, or try other folk remedies meant for adults. They don’t work and can be unpleasant or even dangerous for a baby.

What I always tell parents

Hiccups may look uncomfortable, but your baby isn’t bothered by them. It’s a sign that the nervous system is developing, the brain is learning, and the little body is growing. Exactly as it should be.

Give your baby a cuddle. Hold them upright for a moment. And know that this will pass on its own — just like many things in those first months that seem big but are part of a process unfolding just right.

Do you have questions about feeding, burping, or your baby's behavior after a feed? As a neonatal nurse and baby coach, I am happy to help you think it through. 

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Here's What to Do When Your Baby Has the Hiccups. health.clevelandclinic.org
2. University College London (UCL). (2019). Newborn baby hiccups could be key to brain development. ucl.ac.uk
3. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Baby Burping, Hiccups & Spit-Up. HealthyChildren.org. healthychildren.org
4. Mayo Clinic. (2024). Infant acid reflux — Symptoms and causes. mayoclinic.org
5. Kaur, R., et al. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of burping for the prevention of colic and regurgitation in healthy infants. Child: Care, Health and Development. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6. OSF HealthCare. (2024). Why do babies get hiccups? osfhealthcare.org